After a year of challenges for all participants in
China¡¯s customs matters, 2003 ended in an
atmosphere of progress on both practice and legislation. But
risks remain, especially for companies that rely on complex
supply chains, as China¡¯s customs regime continues
its transition from administrative discretion and negotiated
solutions to complex standards and procedures.

There was substantial tension between China¡¯s
difficulty, some would say reluctance, in fully implementing
its WTO-related customs obligations, and the expectations of
foreign exporters and the US government, which had been raised
by China¡¯s WTO entry in December 2001. A key aspect
of WTO membership is an obligation to conform with the WTO
Customs Valuation Agreement. The tension peaked in the middle
of the year and then relaxed towards the end of the year, when
we saw increased flexibility...

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